Sarah Palin sues New York Times over editorial linking political fervor to shooting rampages

Sarah Palin filed a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times on Tuesday over an editorial that ran that suggested that her rhetoric incited the 2011 shooting rampage in Tucson, Arizona that killed six people and severely injured Rep. Gabby Giffords.

The Times ran its editorial in the wake of the recent June 14 shooting attack on House Republicans in Alexandria, Va., as they were practicing for a congressional baseball game. The Times editorial focused on politically motivated violence against members of Congress, noting that James Hodgkinson, described as a Bernie Sanders supporter, targeted the lawmakers. Hodgkinson was killed during the rampage.

In the aftermath of the 2011 shootings, initial attention focused on whether the assailant, Jared Loughner, had political motivations for his rampage.

The Times editorial noted that a political action committee affiliated with Palin had circulated a map that showed electoral districts of Democrats, including Giffords' district, as gun target cross hairs.

But no connection was ever established between that map and Loughner's motivations, and, after an outcry on social media, the Times later noted that in an addendum to the editorial and a correction.

"The Times published and promoted its Editorial Board's column despite knowing that the linchpin of its 'sickening pattern' of politically-incited shootings was the false assertion that Mrs. Palin incited Loughner to murder six people, among them a child and federal judge, and seriously wont numerous others," Palin's suit states.

MANCHESTER, NH - SEPTEMBER 05: Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin prepares to speak at a Tea Party Express rally on September 5, 2011 at Veteran's Memorial Park in Manchester, New Hampshire. The rally is part of the 'Reclaiming America' bus tour traveling through 19 states and visiting 29 cities before arriving in Tampa, Florida for a presidential debate co-sponsored by CNN on September 12. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL - NOVEMBER 3: Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin speaks during the Republican Party of Florida's fundraising event at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort on November 3, 2011 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. About 800 people attended the fundraiser to listen to Palin speak, along with Governor Rick Scott and the Attorney General Pam Bondi. (Photo by Roberto Gonzalez/Getty Images)

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin spent time getting her message out on ACES during a community briefing at the Loussac Library in Anchorage on October 14, 2007. On Friday, August 29, 2008, GOP presidential candidate Sen. John McCain chose Palin as his vice presidential running mate. (Photo by Jim Lavrakas/Anchorage Daily News/MCT via Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 26: Former Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin and her husband Todd attend Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 26, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 09: Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin addresses a rally against the Iran nuclear deal on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol September 9, 2015 in Washington, DC. Thousands of people gathered for the rally, organized by the Tea Party Patriots, which featured conservative pundits and politicians. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

SAN PEDRO, CA - MAY 16: Sarah Palin attends the SEAL-NSW family foundation 2nd annual dinner gala at USS Iowa on May 16, 2015 in San Pedro, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - FEBRUARY 26: Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin addresses the 42nd annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) February 26, 2015 in National Harbor, Maryland. Conservative activists attended the annual political conference to discuss their agenda. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) speaks at the 2014 Values Voter Summit September 26, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Family Research Council (FRC) hosting its 9th annual Values Voter Summit inviting conservatives to participate in a straw poll. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

TUCSON, AZ - MARCH 26: U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (L) attend a campaign rally at Pima County Fairgrounds on March 26, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. Palin traveled to Arizona to stump for McCain, who is facing a primary challenge in his bid for a fifth term in the Senate. Today's event marked the first time the pair had campaigned together since their failed 2008 presidential run. (Photo by Darren Hauck/Getty Images)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - MARCH 08: Conservative pundit, television personality and former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin gestures as she leaves the stage during the 41st annual Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord International Hotel and Conference Center on March 8, 2014 in National Harbor, Maryland. The conference, a project of the American Conservative Union, brings together conservative polticians, pundits and voters for three days of speeches and workshops. (Photo by T.J. Kirkpatrick/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) walks onstage to speak at the 2014 Values Voter Summit September 26, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Family Research Council (FRC) hosting its 9th annual Values Voter Summit inviting conservatives to participate in a straw poll. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) speaks at the 2014 Values Voter Summit September 26, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Family Research Council (FRC) hosting its 9th annual Values Voter Summit inviting conservatives to participate in a straw poll. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) speaks at the 2014 Values Voter Summit September 26, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Family Research Council (FRC) hosting its 9th annual Values Voter Summit inviting conservatives to participate in a straw poll. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) speaks at the 2014 Values Voter Summit September 26, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Family Research Council (FRC) hosting its 9th annual Values Voter Summit inviting conservatives to participate in a straw poll. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MAY 29: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks during the 2014 Republican Leadership Conference on May 29, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Members of the Republican Party are scheduled to speak at the 2014 Republican Leadership Conference, which hosts 1,500 delegates from across the country through May 31st. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - MARCH 08: Conservative pundit, television personality and former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin speaks during the 41st annual Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord International Hotel and Conference Center on March 8, 2014 in National Harbor, Maryland. The conference, a project of the American Conservative Union, brings together conservative polticians, pundits and voters for three days of speeches and workshops. (Photo by T.J. Kirkpatrick/Getty Images)

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MAY 29: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin looks on after speaking during the 2014 Republican Leadership Conference on May 29, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Members of the Republican Party set to speak at the 2014 Republican Leadership Conference that runs through through May 31 and will attract over 1,500 delegates from across the country. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - MARCH 08: Conservative pundit, television personality and former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin speaks during the 41st annual Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord International Hotel and Conference Center on March 8, 2014 in National Harbor, Maryland. The conference, a project of the American Conservative Union, brings together conservative polticians, pundits and voters for three days of speeches and workshops. (Photo by T.J. Kirkpatrick/Getty Images)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - MARCH 08: Conservative pundit, television personality and former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin speaks during the 41st annual Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord International Hotel and Conference Center on March 8, 2014 in National Harbor, Maryland. The conference, a project of the American Conservative Union, brings together conservatives, polticians, pundits and voters for three days of speeches and workshops. (Photo by T.J. Kirkpatrick/Getty Images)

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 03: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin waves before speaking during the 2013 NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center on May 3, 2013 in Houston, Texas. More than 70,000 peope are expected to attend the NRA's 3-day annual meeting that features nearly 550 exhibitors, gun trade show and a political rally. The Show runs from May 3-5. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - MARCH 16: Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska, speaks at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) March 16, 2013 in National Harbor, Maryland. The American Conservative Union held its annual conference in the suburb of Washington, DC to rally conservatives and generate ideas. (Photo by Pete Marovich/Getty Images)

BELLEVILLE, MI, - JULY 14: Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska and 2008 Republican Vice Presidential candidate speaks at a 'Patriots in the Park' Tea Party rally at the Wayne County Fairgrounds July 14, 2012 in Belleville, Michigan. The event was sponsored by Americans for Prosperity: Michigan and the Willow Run Tea Party Caucus. (photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 11: Former Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin walks onstage to address the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, on February 11, 2012 in Washington, DC. Thousands of conservative activists are attending the three day annual gathering in the nation's capital. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 11: Former Alaska Governor, Sarah Palin addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, on February 11, 2012 in Washington, DC. Thousands of conservative activists are attending the three day annual gathering in the nation's capital. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

INDIANOLA, IA - SEPTEMBER 03: Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin speaks to supporters during the Tea Party of America's 'Restoring America' event at the Indianola Balloon Festival Grounds September 3, 2011 in Indianola, Iowa. Yesterday Palin attended a Conservatives4Palin event. She is scheduled to speak at another Tea Party event in New Hampshire on Monday. The stops continue to fuel speculation that the former governor will run for president, a decision which she said she would make by the end of September. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

MANCHESTER, NH - SEPTEMBER 05: Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin speaks during a Tea Party Express rally on September 5, 2011 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Hundreds of people attended the rally that is part of the 'Reclaiming America' bus tour traveling through 19 states and visiting 29 cities before arriving in Tampa, Florida for a presidential debate co-sponsored by CNN on September 12. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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A Times spokeswoman said that they had not yet reviewed the lawsuit, but they "will defend against any claim vigorously."

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in New York.

Palin's suit argues that the Times' later edits and "half -hearted Twitter apologies" are insufficient, as "none mentioned Mrs. Palin or acknowledged that Mrs. Palin did not incite a deranged man to commit murder."

Her lawsuit notes that Loughner's criminal proceedings "revealed that be was a mentally unstable man who was obsessed with Representative Giffords long before 2011."

"It took Mrs. Palin years to overcome the detrimental impacts of the false speculation that she caused Loughner to commit murder," her suit states. "Unfortunately, members of the media perceive Mrs. Palin as a convenient target for attacks against conservative policies and a subject likely to spark readership interest."

The lawsuit makes the case that the Times' own past articles "would have demonstrated that there was not direct and clear link between Mrs. Palin and Loughner's heinous acts."

Palin is seeking unspecified damages, and injunctive relief prohibiting the publication of the "defamatory statements" in the editorial.